HIAS distributes scholarships to 139 immigrants

(JTA) — HIAS is distributing $330,000 in scholarships to 139 immigrants in the United States and Israel.

The scholarships will help fund higher education for the immigrants. Sixty of the recipients live in the United States.

The HIAS Scholars program helps the recipients with their education, as well as build social and professional networks, and become leaders in their communities and on campus.

The scholars must create or participate in community service projects directly serving or advocating on behalf of local immigrants and refugees.

At a recent award ceremony in New York, Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, New York’s first elected official from the Russian emigre community and a former HIAS client, told the scholars that “I hope my story will inspire others. I hope your involvement with HIAS and with the Jewish community is just the beginning."

Krasny, the event’s keynote speaker, went on to say, "I hope whatever you do, you’ll be part of the team, the American team. At the same time you can be a great American and be proud of your heritage.”

Since HIAS initiated its annual scholarships in 1974, the program has awarded more than $3 million to more than 3,500 immigrants to help fund their higher education.